Oman CBRN Defence Market Size and Forecast by Threat Type, Equipment, End User, and Platform: 2019-2033

Oman CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

As geopolitical and environmental risks increase in the Gulf, the Oman CBRN defence market is stepping into a phase of cautious but crucial modernization. The Sultanate of Oman, traditionally focused on conventional security threats, is now gradually pivoting to address Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) risks due to heightened regional instability, cross-border threats, and climate-induced hazards. From 2025 to 2033, the market is projected to witness moderate but sustained growth with a CAGR of around 5.8%, as per DataCube Research analysis.

Unlike major Gulf counterparts with expansive CBRN infrastructure, Oman’s current systems are limited and largely focused on military preparedness and industrial safety. However, new procurement programs, regional cooperation with GCC allies, and technical consultations with the U.S. and U.K. point toward a long-term vision of CBRN resilience. Government agencies, notably the Royal Office and the Ministry of Defence, are working closely with the Royal Army of Oman to align CBRN strategy with Oman Vision 2040, emphasizing preparedness, civil-military integration, and localized response capabilities.

Key Catalysts Accelerating Growth in Oman’s CBRN Defence Sector

Key drivers behind the growth of the Oman CBRN defence industry include the dual imperatives of national security and industrial hazard management. Oman hosts a number of strategic oil refineries, chemical facilities, and critical infrastructure hubs in Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah—each vulnerable to accidental or targeted CBRN events. The Royal Oman Police (ROP), in coordination with the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA), has been conducting joint training and scenario drills since 2023 to enhance incident readiness.

Additionally, Oman’s participation in the GCC’s CBRN Joint Task Force has led to increased intelligence-sharing and joint command simulation exercises. One notable example is the 2024 “Gulf Shield” military drill, which included a live demonstration of CBRN containment protocols involving Oman’s land and medical response units. These developments underscore a broader shift in the Oman CBRN defence sector—moving beyond procurement toward ecosystem-level resilience involving military, health, and emergency services. The presence of NATO-standard operating frameworks in some of these drills further reflects Oman’s aim to align with international best practices while customizing solutions for regional threat landscapes.

Evolving Role of Defence, Civil, and Industrial End Users

The Oman CBRN defence sector sees end-user segmentation across three primary domains: military, civil defence, and strategic industries. The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) and the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) remain the dominant users, focusing on portable detection equipment, decontamination units, and personnel protection gear. Since 2022, Oman has procured advanced mobile bio-detection systems from European vendors for field use along key border zones. In parallel, civil defence agencies under PACDA have begun integrating fixed chemical detection systems into public buildings and critical infrastructure zones, particularly in Muscat and Duqm.

The oil and gas sector is also showing higher adoption rates, as companies like Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (ORPIC) have implemented tiered safety protocols and signed MOUs with foreign CBRN consultants for risk assessments. There is also a push to enhance response time: in 2023, PACDA established Oman’s first national CBRN response registry for faster mobilization of resources. Together, these trends illustrate a diversified adoption base across the Oman CBRN defence market, indicating a future where civil, industrial, and military stakeholders collaborate under a national preparedness doctrine.

Performance Indicators Signalling Market Maturity

One of the most telling indicators of momentum in the Oman CBRN defence industry is its shifting budget allocation. While the absolute figures remain classified, defence analysts estimate a 12–15% year-on-year increase in CBRN-specific spending within Oman’s broader military budget since 2021. These allocations are not just aimed at equipment procurement but also capacity building—training personnel, upgrading simulation facilities, and investing in local R&D. For instance, the Sultan Qaboos University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences launched a joint initiative with the Ministry of Health in 2023 to develop early-stage chemical exposure diagnostics tailored for civilian use.

On the policy front, Oman has adopted elements of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and is integrating them into its public health emergency laws to ensure legal clarity in cross-border biosecurity events. Regulatory reforms are also targeting the logistics ecosystem—streamlining import approvals for radiological detection devices and chemical analysis kits. These combined indicators show that the Oman CBRN defence sector is maturing not just in infrastructure but in institutional depth, providing a more sustainable platform for national resilience.

Competitive and Collaborative Dynamics Among Global and Regional Players

The competitive dynamics of the Oman CBRN defence market are characterized by a blend of local capacity building and international strategic alliances. European firms such as Bruker and Proengin have supplied Oman with advanced CBRN reconnaissance and detection equipment. Simultaneously, Oman has inked technical cooperation agreements with regional players like Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) and the UAE’s EDGE Group, aimed at fostering Gulf-centric interoperability. On the local front, Oman’s Defence and Security Technology Company (DSTC) has begun feasibility studies in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation to localize components for biological agent detection systems by 2027.

Another emerging strategy is Oman’s participation in joint export-oriented projects: a 2024 agreement with South Korea aims to co-develop modular CBRN decontamination pods suitable for desert environments. As the Oman CBRN defence industry evolves, its strategy hinges on reducing dependency while enhancing local integration—prioritizing systems that can be maintained, operated, and adapted locally. These efforts align with Oman’s broader vision of technology sovereignty and regional security collaboration under the GCC Defence Integration Framework.

Author: Surender K (Vertical Head – Aerospace & Defence)

Oman CBRN Defence Market Segmentation